Global – International Workers’ Memorial Day 2025: Protecting workers’ rights in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence – ITUC

The ITUC is using this year’s International Workers’ Memorial Day, 28 April, to call for urgent action to safeguard workers’ lives and rights in the age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI).

AI is transforming the world of work at unprecedented speed. But behind the promise of innovation lies a darker reality: algorithmic management, constant surveillance, impossible productivity targets, and dangerous working conditions. Technology is being used not to improve working conditions and safety, but to exploit them — putting lives and health at risk.

  • AI-driven management is already intensifying pressure on 427 million workers worldwide.
  • 80% of large employers use AI to track individual worker productivity.
  • Workers are facing burnout, injuries and unbearable stress from non-stop monitoring, unrealistic targets and zero input on how technology is used.

“Too often artificial intelligence is being deployed not as a tool for progress but as a weapon against workers.” ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle

“From warehouses to hospitals, delivery bikes to data labs, workers are under pressure like never before. The deployment of new technologies must respect the norms of any other changes in the workplace: workers have a right be consulted and included. This basic, democratic, workplace right will ensure the use of AI is designed with safety, fairness and dignity at is core. Workers and their unions must have a seat at the table for the benefit of all.”

Deployment of new technologies, such as AI, without proper consultation with workers and their unions is already causing serious problems around the world:

  • In the Philippines, 19-year-old delivery rider Jasper Dalman died while working for Foodpanda. His union, RIDERS-SENTRO, won recognition and insurance rights after his death highlighted the deadly consequences of algorithmic exploitation that set impossible productivity targets.
  • In Turkey, TikTok content moderators employed by Telus were sacked after organising against inhumane AI-managed workloads and trauma-inducing content.
  • In the US, nurses working through platforms face AI-controlled shift apps that bypass worker protections that create dangerous conditions for them and their patients.

The ITUC is calling for:

  • Full involvement of unions in the design and deployment of workplace AI.
  • Transparent, human-centred technology that upholds rights and safety.
  • A binding ILO Convention on platform work to protect all workers in the digital economy.

This 28 April, we remember the dead – and fight for the living. Technology should work for us, not against us.

The new ITUC report, ‘Artificial intelligence and digitalisation: A matter of life and death for workers’, identifies the physical and psychosocial harms at work when these technologies are introduced without consulting workers. Check out the campaign materials.

IWMD 2025 – English graphicsIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos en españolIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Graphiques en françaisIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos em portuguêsIWMD 2025

Global: Jornada Internacional de Conmemoración de los Trabajadores Fallecidos y Lesionados 2025: Proteger los derechos de los trabajadores en la era de la digitalización y la inteligencia artificial – CSI

Con ocasión de la Jornada Internacional de Conmemoración de los Trabajadores Fallecidos y Lesionados, que se celebra el 28 de abril, la CSI ha hecho un llamamiento para que se adopten medidas urgentes destinadas a salvaguardar la vida y los derechos de los trabajadores en la era de la digitalización y la inteligencia artificial (IA).

La IA está transformando el mundo del trabajo a una velocidad sin precedentes. Pero detrás de la promesa de innovación se esconde una realidad más oscura: la gestión algorítmica, la vigilancia constante, unos objetivos de productividad imposibles y unas condiciones de trabajo peligrosas. La tecnología no se está utilizando para mejorar las condiciones de trabajo y la seguridad, sino para explotar a los trabajadores, poniendo en peligro su vida y su salud.

  • La gestión basada en IA ya está intensificando la presión que soportan 427 millones de trabajadores en todo el mundo.
  • El 80% de las grandes empresas utilizan IA para controlar la productividad individual de los trabajadores.
  • Los trabajadores sufren agotamiento, lesiones y un estrés insoportable debido a la vigilancia constante, a unos objetivos nada realistas y a la falta total de información sobre cómo se utiliza la tecnología.

“La inteligencia artificial se suele utilizar no como una herramienta para el progreso, sino como un arma contra los trabajadores.” Luc Triangle, secretario general de la CSI

“Desde almacenes hasta hospitales, pasando por repartidores a domicilio y laboratorios de datos, los trabajadores se están viendo más presionados que nunca. El despliegue de nuevas tecnologías debe respetar las normas de cualquier cambio que se lleve a cabo en el lugar de trabajo: los trabajadores tienen derecho a ser consultados e incluidos en el proceso. Este derecho básico y democrático en el lugar de trabajo garantizará que el uso de la IA se diseñe considerando la seguridad, la justicia y la dignidad como aspectos fundamentales. Los trabajadores y sus sindicatos deben tener voz y voto en beneficio de todos”.

El despliegue de nuevas tecnologías como la IA, sin una consulta adecuada con los trabajadores y sus sindicatos, ya está causando graves problemas en todo el mundo:

  • En Filipinas, Jasper Dalman, un repartidor de 19 años, falleció mientras trabajaba para Foodpanda. Su sindicato, RIDERS-SENTRO, consiguió derechos en materia de seguros y reconocimiento después de que su muerte pusiera de relieve las consecuencias mortales de la explotación algorítmica que impone unos objetivos de productividad imposibles.
  • En Turquía, los moderadores de contenido de TikTok empleados por Telus fueron despedidos tras organizarse para protestar contra las cargas de trabajo inhumanas gestionadas por IA y los contenidos traumatizantes.
  • En EE. UU., los enfermeros que trabajan a través de plataformas tienen que lidiar con unas aplicaciones de gestión de turnos controladas por IA que eluden la protección de los trabajadores y crean unas condiciones peligrosas para ellos y sus pacientes.

La CSI reclama:

  • La plena participación de los sindicatos en el diseño y la implantación de la IA en los lugares de trabajo.
  • Una tecnología transparente y centrada en las personas, que respete los derechos y la seguridad.
  • Un Convenio vinculante de la OIT sobre el trabajo en plataformas para proteger a todos los trabajadores del sector de la economía digital.

Este 28 de abril recordamos a los fallecidos y luchamos por los vivos. La tecnología debe trabajar para nosotros, no contra nosotros.

El nuevo informe de la CSI, “Inteligencia artificial y digitalización: Una cuestión de vida o muerte para los trabajadores” (en inglés), identifica los daños físicos y psicosociales en el trabajo cuando estas tecnologías se introducen sin consultar a los trabajadores. Para descargar los gráficos y obtener mayor información, visiten aquí.

IWMD 2025 – English graphicsIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos en españolIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Graphiques en françaisIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos em portuguêsIWMD 2025

Global: Journée internationale de commémoration des travailleuses et des travailleurs morts ou blessés au travail 2025 : protéger les droits des travailleurs à l’ère de la numérisation et de l’intelligence artificielle – CSI

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale de commémoration des travailleuses et des travailleurs morts ou blessés au travail, du 28 avril 2025, la CSI réclame des actions urgentes pour préserver la vie et les droits des travailleuses et des travailleurs à l’ère de la numérisation et de l’intelligence artificielle (IA).

L’IA transforme le monde du travail à une vitesse sans précédent. Mais derrière la promesse d’innovation se profile une réalité plus sombre : gestion algorithmique, surveillance constante, objectifs de productivité impossibles et conditions de travail dangereuses. La technologie est utilisée non pour améliorer les conditions de travail et la sécurité au travail, mais pour exploiter les travailleuses et les travailleurs, mettant leur vie et leur santé en danger.

  • La gestion par l’IA accentue déjà la pression s’exerçant sur 427 millions de travailleurs dans le monde.
  • Quatre-vingts pour cent des gros employeurs utilisent l’IA pour suivre la productivité individuelle au travail.
  • Les contrôles incessants, les objectifs irréalistes et l’absence de consultation sur les modalités d’utilisation de la technologie exposent les travailleurs à l’épuisement, à des blessures et à un stress insupportable.

« Trop souvent, l’intelligence artificielle est déployée non comme un instrument du progrès, mais comme une arme contre les travailleurs » le secrétaire général de la CSI, Luc Triangle

« Des entrepôts aux hôpitaux, sur les vélos de livraison ou dans les laboratoires de données, les travailleurs sont plus que jamais sous pression. Le déploiement de nouvelles technologies doit respecter les normes, comme tout autre changement sur le lieu de travail : les travailleuses et les travailleurs ont le droit d’être consultés et de participer. Ce droit fondamental et démocratique sur le lieu de travail garantira que l’utilisation de l’IA soit pensée en accordant une place centrale à la sécurité, à l’équité et à la dignité. Les travailleurs et leurs syndicats doivent avoir un siège à la table dans l’intérêt de tous. »

Le déploiement de nouvelles technologies, comme l’IA, sans consultation adéquate des travailleurs et de leurs syndicats pose déjà de graves problèmes dans le monde :

  • Aux Philippines, un livreur à vélo, Jasper Dalman, est décédé à 19 ans pendant qu’il travaillait pour Foodpanda. Son syndicat, RIDERS-SENTRO, a obtenu une reconnaissance et des droits en matière d’assurance après ce décès qui a mis en lumière les conséquences mortelles de l’exploitation algorithmique qui fixe des objectifs de productivité impossibles à tenir.
  • En Turquie, des modérateurs de contenu sur TikTok employés par Telus ont été licenciés après s’être organisés pour protester contre les charges de travail inhumaines imposées par l’IA et les contenus traumatisants.
  • Aux États-Unis, du personnel infirmier travaillant via des plateformes est confronté à des applications de gestion de planning contrôlées par l’IA qui passent outre la protection des travailleurs et créent des conditions dangereuses pour ce personnel et ses patients.

La CSI réclame :

Ce 28 avril, nous commémorons les morts et nous luttons pour les vivants. La technologie devrait travailler pour nous, et non contre nous.

Le nouveau rapport de la CSI, intitulé « Artificial intelligence and digitalisation : A matter of life and death for workers » (en français), identifie les dommages physiques et psychosociaux au travail qui se produisent lorsque ces technologies sont introduites sans consultation des travailleurs. Voir les matériels de campagne ici.

IWMD 2025 – English graphicsIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos en españolIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Graphiques en françaisIWMD 2025
IWMD 2025 – Gráficos em portuguêsIWMD 2025

Pakistan: Paying respects to construction workers killed at Tarbela Dam – PFBWW

To mark 28 April BWI affiliate PFBWW (Pakistan Federation of Building and Wood Workers) will,  as in past years, visit Tarbela Dam and pay condolences to the workers who died in its construction.  Members will assemble by the  hoarding where names of killed workers are engraved. There will also be an additional meeting with workers on 30th April.

 

Sri Lanka: 28 April activity from NTUF

NTUF – National Trade Union Federation will be holding an event to commemorate International Workers’ Memorial Day in Sri Lanka. Further details to be announced.

N° 60, Sri Jayawardanapura Mawatha
Welikada Rajagiriya
Sri Lanka
+94 11 286 2262, +94 11 288 55 99
+94 11 286 22 62
ntufsl@gmail.com

 

India: Construction union BNKMU reports 28 april activities

BWI affiliate BNKMU – Bhawan Nirman Karmkar Majdoor Union (Lucknow) is planning to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day – further plans are to be announced.

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India: More 28 April activities from BWI affiliates

Further details of wide ranging plans for 28 April action from global union federation BWI’s affiliates in India.

NMPS – Nirman Mazdoor Panchayat Sangam (Union of Construction Workers Panchayat) – Delhi – is planning an International Workers’ Memorial Day meeting is planned.

SGEU – Shevaroys’ General Employees Union (Yercaud) An International Workers’ Memorial Day campaign is planned.

AHPWD & IPHCWU – All Himachal PWD & IPH Contractual Workers’ Union (Himachel Pradesh) will hold a rally featuring plays to raise awareness

INCWF – Indian National Cement Workers’ Federation (Mumbai) will be holding a meeting at a cement plant.

TCTU – Tamilnadu Congress Thozhilalar Union (Tamilnadu Congress Workers’ Union) will hold a 28 April awareness meeting for construction workers on the issue of heat stress .

TKTMS – Thamizhaga Kattida Thozhilalargal Madhiya Sangam (Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Central Union)  will be holding an International Workers” Memorial Day meeting for construction workers

GFPGFWU – Gujarat Forest Produce Gatherers and Forest Workers’ Union will be issuing “Key Demands”
1. Kendu leaf workers – increment in wages
2.Enrol forestry workers in Board & provide them minimum wages

www.bwint.org 

 

India: Construction unions to take multiple actions on 28 April – BWI

Global union federation BWI’s affiliated in India have a wide ranging plan for 28 April action.

Karnataka State Construction Workers Central Union (KSCWCU) will hold a district level leaders meeting where they will further the campaign for International Workers’ Memorial Day and hold discussions on heat stress and climate justice.

In Rajasthan state Azad Hind Building Workers Union (AHBWU)  will hold an oath taking ceremony. The union will campaign on the safety issues in labour chowks (markets)  and in mining. Awareness raising materials developed by BWI and AHBWU on theme of Deadly Dust.

BMS Gujarat will hold “Tripartite dialogue” with a “Half day program with government officials, CSO & TU.”

Construction Labour Union (CLU) will be out campaigning using the BWI posters on the heat stress and deadly dust themes.

Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) affiliate  RPKNMS (Rajasthan Patthar Khan Mazdoor Sangh) will also be out campaigning using the BWI posters on the heat stress and deadly dust themes.

Worker members of the unorganised sector workers’ union, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Mazdoor Sangathan (UPGMS), will  be making aset of key demands  submission to the District Magistrate including:

  1. Stone quarry workers – Dust & Silicosis issues
  2. Heat wave protection
  3. Enrolling inter-State migrant workers from UP in the Rajasthan Silicosis Board
  4. Construction workers schemes to be started again, which are on hold for a long time in the State
  5.  Increase minimum wage

www.bwint.org 

UK: Big Zoom in solidarity with the family of Zane Gbangbola – call for independent inquiry

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 – 18:00 to 18:20
Register for online event

Eleven years ago, 7-year-old Zane Gbangbola tragically died when the basement of his home in Chertsey was flooded with water from the Thames. There is very strong evidence that this allowed hydrogen cyanide gas from a former landfill site nearby to seep into the house. In fact, hydrogen cyanide gas was detected three times in the home by the Fire Brigade.

Both Zane and his father Kye suffered a cardiac arrest. Zane tragically lost his life and Kye was paralysed from the waist down. Kye and Zane’s mother, Nicole Lawler, have been tirelessly seeking justice and answers ever since. See Truth About Zane – Truth About Zane for more information.

On 28 April – International Workers Memorial Day – when we remember the dead and fight for the living – join the family from 6pm to 6.20 pm to send a powerful message to the Prime Minister about the need for an independent panel inquiry to investigate how Zane was killed.

Andy Burnham has been a high-profile supporter of the campaign for years and he will also be speaking. Daniel Kebede will be introducing the speakers.

Please save the date and time and register early – the family want this to be huge and early registrations will help bolster their confidence that it will be.

Speakers

Kye and Nicole – Zane’s parents
Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester
Introductions – Daniel Kebede – NEU General Secretary
Learn more at Truth About Zane.

More details

 

Croatia: Award ceremony and exploring the potential of digitalisation for OSH in Croatia – EU-OSHA

Award ceremony and exploring the potential of digitalisation for OSH in Croatia 28 April 2025, Zagreb Croatia.

Workplaces have changed significantly over the past 50 years, and as a result, occupational safety and health (OSH) measures must be adapted to address the emerging risks associated with digitalisation while harnessing its potential to improve worker wellbeing.

TheCroatian focal point, Ministarstvo rada, mirovinskoga sustava, obitelji i socijalne politike, has organised an event where experts from various fields will highlight the latest advancements, challenges and best practices in OSH. Topics will include psychosocial risks in the digital age, the impact and potential of Automation and advanced analytics, as well as artificial Intelligence-driven safety solutions.

The Croatian Award Ceremony for the Promotion of Occupational Safety 2025 will also take place, offering OSH professionals, human resources managers, business leaders, policy-makers and researchers the opportunity to exchange knowledge and network, working together to ensure safe workplaces in the digital age.

Moderator:

  • Tin Bašić, Representative of the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy

Speakers:

  • Representative of the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy
  • Marina Prelec, Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy
  • Helena Koren, Head of the Department for Psychosocial Risk Management, Croatian Institute of Public Health
  • Ante Lovrić, Konica Minolta Croatia
  • Željko Sinković, Head of the Occupational Safety and Fire Protection Department, HEP d.d.
    Petra Subašić, Human Resources Sector, HEP d.d.
  • Milan Rajčević, Director, Notum Robotics
  • Siniša Kotur, DW Reusables d.o.o.
  • Matija Sinković, Dräger Safety d.o.o.
  • Nenad Štimac, Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection Coordinator, Colas

Organisation

Ministarstvo rada, mirovinskoga sustava, obitelji i socijalne politike

Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living